Why are you talking with your mouth CLOSED?

Yes, you read that right! Why are you talking with your mouth closed? How do you expect us to HEAR YOU?

Let me share a story with you, and you’ll understand exactly what I mean.

On Sundays, my son and I like to eat out because, in my opinion, cooking after church should be considered a sin. Like, seriously!!! I just spent time with the Lord, and afterward, I’m supposed to chop onions? Nahhhh! That doesn't sit well with my spirit. So unless I’m sick or financially restrained, it’s not happening. Eating out is the plan.

On this particular Sunday, when my son and I arrived at the restaurant, it was packed. They seated us at the first available table, but I didn’t want to sit in a booth in the covered area. I wanted to sit outside, by the fountain, in a regular chair. I shared my feelings with my son, who reminded me that people without reservations were waiting an hour and a half. In other words, “Let’s just make the best of it and enjoy our food.”

Hmm… I tried, people. I really did. But one of the reasons I love coming to this restaurant is because it’s on a rooftop, and the view of the fountain and the ceiling is to die for. So you know what I did? I walked over to the hostess and POLITELY asked if we could be reseated outside. She told me to give her a moment. Then—BOOM! My son and I were seated by the fountain.

Look at that view!

That day, if I hadn't expressed my desire to be seated outside by the fountain, I would have missed that view, the very reason I came in the first place.

Earlier, I asked you: “Why are you talking with your mouth closed?” Because when you don’t vocalize the desires of your heart—when you don’t ask—you are speaking with your mouth closed. Your interlocutor cannot hear you. They are not a mind reader.

Speak up or die with unfulfilled expectations.

The Bible says:

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12)

Are you making your heart sick by not telling your family, friends, boss, or even random people assigned to fulfill your needs WHAT YOU REALLY WANT?

Even God encourages us to vocalize our heart’s desires. In Matthew 7:7, He says:

“ASK and you shall RECEIVE!”

Some might wonder, “Why do I need to OPEN MY MOUTH AND ASK God? Shouldn’t He already know my heart’s desires?” Yes, He does! And yet, He still requires that you ASK.

When we vocalize our desires, something powerful happens. Our brain hears our words and starts processing those desires, and thoughts like: “Do I really want this, or was this just a temporary desire?” “Is this longing an alternative because I’m afraid to ask for what I truly want? Etc…”

There have been days when sitting in a booth in the covered area didn’t bother me. I still enjoyed myself. But that particular day, I wanted the view. So I asked for it and I got it.

If you struggle to vocalize your desires, especially in challenging circumstances, I encourage you to take baby steps. Practice with strangers or with people you feel comfortable around. Ask for small things. Slowly, you’ll build the courage to tell God and the world WHAT YOU REALLY WANT!

Repeat this affirmation:

“From this day forward, I will no longer speak with my mouth closed! I will open my mouth and state clearly and confidently my heart’s desires.”

You can say it with confidence, knowing that God Himself created the world He desired by VOCALIZING it into existence.

Until next time,

Emma